The composite PMI for services and manufacturing was 51.1 in October, the same rate as in the previous month.

Italy's economy notched up 0.7 per cent growth last year, less than half the average rate in the 19-nation euro zone. Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's government expects an 0.8 per cent expansion in 2016.

Output stagnated in the second quarter of 2016, but the Bank of Italy has said it probably grew modestly in the third. GDP data for the three months to September will be released on Nov. 15.